A top priority for many retail groups this year, legislation allowing collection of sales taxes for online purchases passes Senate Platt The days of tax-free online shopping may be coming to an end, and several groups have been pushing hard to make sure that happens soon. Before leaving for recess April 5, the U.S. Senate passed a budget bill amendment, the Marketplace Fairness Act, allowing states to collect sales taxes from online purchases. States currently lack the power to collect sales tax unless a Web-based business has an in-state physical presence. Senate passage was a victory for groups that represent traditional brick-and-mortar stores, such as National… Read More